Photo by Bernard S. Little From left, Col. John Bradley, acting deputy commander for clinical services for the Walter Reed Health Care System; WRHCS Command Sgt. Maj. Rudy DelValle; WRHCS commander Col. Norvell Van Coots; and Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, commander of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, listen to President Bush during his press remarks following his visit with WRAMC patients, Families and staff Tuesday.

Since the Armyís premier medical center began receiving wounded warriors injured in support of the Global War on Terrorism, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush have made regular visits to Walter Reed.

ìI come to Walter Reed to do a couple of things; first, to pay my respects to those who have been wounded,î the president said during remarks to the press Tuesday following his hospital visit at Walter Reed.

ìIíve come to pay my respects to the healers and doctors and nurses, and thank them for their service. I can truthfully say that the health care our troops receive here is first-class,î he added.

He also thanked Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, commander of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and WRAMC, for her ìhospitality and leadership.î

ìYou energize our staff, as well as the patients and their Families, to get even better,î she said. ìSo thank you very much.î

ìIíve also come to pay my respects to Family members that are praying that their loved one can get back on their feet and serve again, or get back on their feet and live a normal life,î the president said.

ìItís an interesting experience because, on the one hand, you see the horrors of war; on the other hand, you see the courage of the people that have volunteered to serve. I marvel when I come to Walter Reed. I marvel at the fact that people say to me, ëMr. President, Iíd do it again.í And you see somebody in bed whoís been severely wounded, and they look and they say, ëIím honored and proud to have served.íî

The president then spoke of one servicemember he visited who was wounded severely and being cared for at WRAMC.

ìHe says, ëIím looking forward to getting back in uniform, getting back on the front lines.í

ìAmerica is lucky to have men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform and to serve to protect us. And, General, weíre lucky ó and theyíre lucky ó to have health care that can provide for the wounded and provide comfort to those who need the care. So Iím honored to be with you.î